Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council has announced the retention rules for the upcoming 2025 mega auction. While franchises can retain a maximum of six players, including one uncapped player, a significant twist has been introduced. The old rule, which was in place from 2008 to 2022, has been reinstated, allowing Indian players who haven't played an international game in over five years to be retained as 'uncapped players.'This rule opens up the possibility for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to retain legendary captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni for a nominal fee. According to the BCCI, "A capped Indian player will become uncapped, if the player has in the last five calendar years preceding the year in which the relevant Season is held, not played in the starting XI in International Cricket (Test match, ODI, Twenty20 International) or does not have a Central Contract with BCCI."In addition to Dhoni, several other Indian players who have represented the national team but meet the uncapped criteria include:* Piyush Chawla (Mumbai Indians)* Sandeep Sharma (Rajasthan Royals)* Rishi Dhawan (Punjab Kings)* Mayank Markande (Sunrisers Hyderabad)* Vijay Shankar (Gujarat Titans)* Mohit Sharma (Gujarat Titans)* Amit Mishra (Lucknow Super Giants)* Karn Sharma (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)This rule change provides franchises with greater flexibility in their retention strategies. It allows them to retain experienced players who may not be regular international fixtures but still possess valuable skills and experience.

MS Dhoni's 'Uncapped' Status: Dinesh Karthik Endorses IPL's DecisionFormer Indian wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik has expressed his unwavering support for the IPL governing body's decision to allow MS Dhoni to play as an 'uncapped' cricketer in the upcoming season. This move, enabled by new retention rules, allows players who have not represented India in the past five years to be retained at a significantly lower price.Karthik believes that this rule was specifically crafted for Dhoni, who has been an integral part of the IPL's success. "Everybody talks about it. This rule is made for one man and I am for it through and through," he told Cricbuzz. "This man has been such a major part of what this IPL has been about."Karthik emphasized Dhoni's impact on the league's popularity and financial success. "You can ask any TV broadcaster and you will get the answer that when this man steps on the field, the ratings go up. This is a fact. If you are going to do something that is going to help the league, why not?"The new retention rules define an 'uncapped' Indian player as one who has not played in the starting XI of an international match (Test, ODI, or T20I) or does not have a Central Contract with the BCCI in the past five years. Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, last played for India in July 2019.Karthik believes that the rule is fair and beneficial to all teams. "If everybody is in a happy place - be it BCCI, be it any of the teams, be it how the league has performed over the years and how it has kept players so happy over the last 15-18 years, this man has played a major role," he said.The IPL's decision to allow Dhoni to play as an 'uncapped' cricketer has sparked mixed reactions. Some critics argue that it undermines the spirit of the retention rules, while others view it as a necessary exception for a player of Dhoni's stature.Regardless of the differing opinions, it is clear that Dhoni remains a highly valued asset for the Chennai Super Kings and the IPL as a whole. His presence on the field is sure to generate excitement and boost viewership, further solidifying the league's position as one of the most popular sporting events in the world.

MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ravindra Jadeja: Chennai Super Kings' No-Brainer Retentions for IPL 2025Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja has identified MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ravindra Jadeja as the three indispensable players for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK)."MS Dhoni for sure. There's no doubt about that, especially because he's now an uncapped player. He's done a lot for the team and has no desire to be treated as the No. 1 player on the squad. His value is unquestioned," Jadeja stated.Ruturaj Gaikwad, the current CSK captain, has also earned Jadeja's endorsement. "He's had a good year, so you'll hope to retain him as well," he said.Ravindra Jadeja, the all-rounder, completes Jadeja's trio of must-haves. "He can't be left out either," he emphasized.Ex-India batter Aakash Chopra believes the Right to Match (RTM) card will be advantageous for CSK. "I don't think they'll retain five players. They might go for 3-4. I see two players worth 18 CR in Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja," he said.Chopra also suggested that CSK could use the RTM card for Deepak Chahar, depending on his fitness. "The price for these players is really high, so the RTM card could be useful to get players for cheaper," he explained.Regarding the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Chopra believes they may let go of their current skipper Faf du Plessis. "It's not about his ability; it's about his age. When you're talking about a mega auction, it's for the next three seasons," he said.Jadeja, on the other hand, thinks RCB will be more cautious with their retentions. "We don't even need to discuss Virat Kohli; it's the same as Dhoni. I favour Rajat Patidar, whether it's his style or his role in RCB's revival. He's the future," he said.Jadeja also highlighted the importance of wicketkeeper-batsmen and suggested that RCB could retain Mohammed Siraj and Yash Dayal.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reintroduced a rule for the uncapped category of Indian players ahead of IPL Auction 2025. This rule, which was previously in place but abolished after IPL 2021, has significant implications for retired Indian stars like MS Dhoni.According to the new rule, "A capped Indian player will become uncapped, if the player has in the last five calendar years preceding the year in which the relevant Season is held, not played in the starting XI in International Cricket (Test match, ODI, Twenty20 International) or does not have a Central Contract with BCCI."This means that MS Dhoni, who last played for India in 2019, becomes eligible to play IPL under the uncapped player category. This rule change has sparked speculation that the BCCI has reintroduced it solely to accommodate Dhoni in the IPL.The reintroduction of this rule gives Dhoni's franchise, Chennai Super Kings, a significant advantage. They can now retain Dhoni without using any capped player slot, providing them with more flexibility in their squad selection.Fans have expressed their excitement at the prospect of Dhoni returning to the IPL as an uncapped player. Many believe that his presence will add star power and experience to the tournament."MS Dhoni doesn't need to play one more season of IPL, but IPL needs #MSDhoni to play one more season," tweeted one fan.Another fan wrote, "DHONI needs IPL, IPL needs DHONI. The O.G is all set to return as uncapped player for some unfinished business."The BCCI has also released the IPL auction rules for 2025. Each franchise can retain up to 6 players, including the Right To Match (RTM) option. However, the total number of retentions/RTM's cannot exceed 5 capped players (Indian and overseas) and 2 uncapped players.

Chennai Super Kings Can Retain MS Dhoni as Uncapped Player Under Revived IPL RuleThe Indian Premier League (IPL) has reinstated a rule that allows Indian players who have retired from international cricket for at least five years to enter the auction as uncapped players. This rule, which was initially implemented in 2008 but scrapped in 2021, has opened up the possibility for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to retain their former captain and talisman, MS Dhoni, as an uncapped player.According to the retention rules shared with franchises, an Indian player who has not played in the starting XI of an international match or does not have a central contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for five years preceding the relevant season will be considered uncapped. This rule applies exclusively to Indian players.Ahead of the 2022 mega auction, CSK retained Dhoni as their second player for INR 12 crore. However, if they choose to retain him as an uncapped player, his salary would be reduced to INR 4 crore.Dhoni, who turned 43 in July, has only played in the IPL since retiring from international cricket in 2020. His future as a player has been the subject of speculation in recent seasons, especially after he underwent knee surgery in 2023 and handed over the CSK captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024.At a recent event, Dhoni indicated that he and CSK would wait for the finalization of the player retention rules before making a decision on his future as a player. The revived rule could provide CSK with a cost-effective way to retain their iconic captain and extend his playing career.

MS Dhoni's Rare Outburst: A Breach of the IPL Code of ConductMS Dhoni, renowned for his composure under pressure, rarely succumbs to emotional outbursts. However, during the 2019 IPL season, fans witnessed a rare moment when his calm demeanor shattered. In a match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), Dhoni's frustration boiled over due to a controversial no-ball call, leading to a breach of the IPL Code of Conduct.Former CSK teammate and current Gujarat Titans pacer Mohit Sharma recently shed light on this unusual incident on the "2 Sloggers" podcast. Recalling the event, Mohit revealed that Dhoni was already furious after getting out and was sitting in the dugout when the drama unfolded. In the final over of the match, Ben Stokes bowled a high full toss to Mitchell Santner, which appeared to be a no-ball. The umpire at square leg initially raised his arm to signal it, but quickly retracted the call, deciding it wasn't a no-ball.This reversal of decision enraged Dhoni, who stormed onto the field to confront the umpires. "We were in the dugout, shouting, 'Don't go, don't go.' But he didn’t even look back. The way he walked onto the field, (laga ki bhai sher ghus gaya hai) it felt like a lion had entered the arena," Mohit recalled.Despite his teammates' efforts to hold him back, Dhoni's frustration got the best of him as he fiercely contested the call. "He had just got out and was already furious. He wanted to be in there because generally, he doesn't leave it to others. He came, sat and all of a sudden, the incident happened. He asked, 'Did he (the umpire) give it a no-ball?' We were like, 'Yeah, he did signal.' Then he just didn't stop," he added.Dhoni’s outburst led to a fine of 50% of his match fees for violating the IPL Code of Conduct, marking one of the few instances where he allowed his emotions to boil over.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the enigmatic former Indian cricket captain, holds a special bond with the city of Chennai. As the former skipper of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Dhoni has led the team to five Indian Premier League (IPL) titles, cementing his status as the city's most beloved son.Former CSK teammate Mohit Sharma has shared some intriguing anecdotes about Dhoni's fiery nature and his unique approach to player management. "He gets angry and we've heard a lot of abuses from him," Sharma revealed on the '2 Sloggers' podcast. "But he always says, what happens on the field, stays there. Later, he will make you understand but never be angry with you."Sharma recalled an incident involving Deepak Chahar, who also faced Dhoni's wrath. "In 2019, Deepak was playing and I wasn't. The game was in Chennai, and everyone was sweating profusely. He bowled a knuckle ball that was hit for a boundary. Dhoni bhai told him not to bowl it again. He said, 'ok Mahi bhai'. After bowling the next 2-3 balls, he bowled the knuckle ball again.""Mahi bhai came up to him, kept his arms around Deepak's shoulder, said a few things to him, and went back. We didn't know what happened. So when the match got over, we asked what happened? He said, 'You know what he said? He said a few wonderful things (likely abuses), and then he added 'Bewakoof tu nahi hai, bewakoof main hu (You're not the fool, I am).' So that is a tale we always remember."Despite his fiery temper, Dhoni is known for his love and support for his players. "Dhoni bhai loves Chahar equally," Sharma emphasized.As the IPL 2025 season approaches, there is still uncertainty surrounding Dhoni's participation. However, his legacy as a legendary captain and a beloved figure in Chennai remains unchallenged.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction is fast approaching, and the anticipation surrounding the retention policy is palpable. The Board of Control for Cricket India (BCCI) has yet to announce the official guidelines, leaving franchises and fans eagerly awaiting details.One of the key questions is the number of retentions allowed per franchise. In previous seasons, teams were permitted to retain a maximum of three players, but there are speculations that this number could be increased to four or even five. This would give franchises greater flexibility in building their squads.Another crucial aspect is the maximum number of overseas players that can be retained. Currently, teams are allowed to retain a maximum of two overseas stars. However, there are suggestions that this limit could be raised to three or four, allowing franchises to bolster their international contingent.The BCCI was expected to unveil the retention policy by the end of August, but it is now likely to be delayed further. Cricbuzz reports that franchises may be given until November 15 to finalize their picks.One of the most talked-about topics regarding the retention policy is the potential reintroduction of a rule that would allow retired players to be classified as "uncapped." This means they could be retained at a lower price.Earlier in the IPL, international players who had retired for five years were eligible for the "uncapped" category. However, this rule was abolished after IPL 2021. Reports suggest that the BCCI is considering bringing it back, which would benefit Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and their iconic captain, MS Dhoni.CSK CEO Kasi Viswanath has denied reports that the franchise requested the BCCI to reinstate the "uncapped" rule for Dhoni. However, the latest reports indicate that the BCCI itself is contemplating such a move.The reintroduction of the "uncapped" category would not only benefit Dhoni and CSK but also the league as a whole. It would allow franchises to retain experienced players at a lower cost, creating a more balanced and competitive environment.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering postponing the announcement of its Indian Premier League (IPL) retention rules until September, according to sources within the league. The delay could extend until the conclusion of the BCCI's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 29 in Bengaluru.The BCCI has not officially linked the AGM to the release of the retention policy, but there is speculation that the board may surprise everyone by unveiling the policy in the coming days. However, the prevailing sentiment among IPL officials suggests that the announcement is likely to be postponed by 10 days to a fortnight.While no official statement has been made regarding the delay, BCCI representatives have reportedly hinted to franchises that there may be a postponement in the announcement. The franchises have been seeking clarity on the matter, but the board has not provided a definitive timeline for the release of the policy.The BCCI had originally planned to reveal the policy by late August, as explicitly mentioned by Board officials after the owners' meeting in Mumbai last month. However, as the end of August drew near, franchise officials contacted the BCCI and were apparently notified of an additional postponement.The officials were given the impression that the policy would be announced towards the end of September instead.The BCCI's retention policy announcement date remains uncertain, but it has been revealed that franchises will have the deadline of November 15 to make their final decisions regarding player retention. It is expected that the auction, which is tentatively planned for December, will also include the Right to Match (RTM) options for the teams.The BCCI is reportedly considering a controversial decision to categorize retired international cricketers as uncapped players. However, it remains uncertain whether this move will have a significant impact on the auction purse.While some speculate that this policy might be designed to benefit Chennai Super Kings by allowing MS Dhoni to be placed in the 'uncapped' category, it is more likely that the league itself has a vested interest in ensuring Dhoni's participation for another season.Chennai Super Kings management has stated that if MS Dhoni chooses to continue playing in the next season, he will be one of their retained players, regardless of whether the BCCI allows only two retentions. This stance by the CSK officials highlights Dhoni's importance to the franchise and their desire to keep him on the team.The decision to retain players who have retired from international cricket could also impact other cricketers, such as Sunil Narine. Narine, who last played a T20I in 2019, announced his retirement from international cricket some time ago.The retention policies set by the BCCI and the stance taken by teams like CSK may influence the future of players who have stepped away from representing their countries but continue to participate in franchise-based leagues.